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PARKS
Mammoth Cave National Park
Horses
All trails north of the Green River (except Ganter Cave Trail) are
open for horseback riding. When hikers and horses meet, horses must be slowed
to a walk and hikers must remain quiet. Three campsites at Maple Springs
Group Campground are available for riders March through November. Each site
can accommodate up to eight horses. Campsites cost $25 per night and require
reservations. For reservations, call the Chief Rangers office at (502) 758-2251 or (800) 967-2283.
Day-use horseback riders can park trailers at Lincoln Trailhead and across
the road from Maple Springs Campground; trails are nearby. Always hitch horses
more than 100 feet away from designated campsites, trails, or water sources.
You may take a guided ride in the park with Double-J Stables (1-800-730-4773).
Sixty miles of trails north of the Green River (all except Ganter Cave
Trail) are open for horseback riding. Day-use horseback riders can park trailers
at:
- Lincoln Trailhead,
- Across the road from the Maple Springs Campground bulletin board,
- Maple Springs Trailhead, 1/4 mile north of Maple Springs Campground,
and
- Good Springs Church.
A free trail map is available in the park's free brochure, and other
maps and guides sold at the Visitor Center show topographic features and
trails in greater detail.
Several rules apply to all horseback riders using the park:
- When hikers and horses meet, horses must be slowed to a walk and
hikers must remain quiet.
- Always hitch horses more than 100 feet away from designated campsites, trails or water sources.
If you plan to camp overnight in the park with horses, the following
information applies:
Overnight horseback riders can use Maple Springs Group Campground, located
five miles from the Visitor Center and three miles north of the Green River
Ferry. The most direct route requires crossing the Green River Ferry, a free
ferry with an 8 ton load limit. However, some vehicles (i.e. long horse trailers)
cannot be ferried solely because of the length or ground clearance. The Green
River Ferry is open daily from 6:00 AM - 9:55 PM (except when closed for
repairs or during hazardous river conditions). Alternate routes via state
and county roads are available and may be more practical for trailers.
Maple Springs Group Campground has seven sites, and four of them are equipped
for horseback riders. Each campsite accommodates up to 24 people and eight
horses. Facilities include picnic tables, grills, chemical toilets, and fresh
water. A small amphitheater located in the center of the campground is available
for use on a first-come, first-served basis. Each campsite costs $25 per
night and requires reservations. Make reservations by calling the Chief
Ranger's office Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Central Standard
Time (Phone number: 502-758-2251). Pay for your campsite (IN CASH ONLY) at
the Maple Springs registration/pipesafe located next to the campground bulletin
board. If you arrive without a reservation, check in first at the Headquarters
Campground to find out if a campsite at Maple Springs is available. Maple
Springs Campground check-in time is 12 noon and check-out time is 11 a.m.
Note: Maple Springs Campground is closed Spring- Summer 2003 due to road construction
More specific rules apply to horseback riders using campsites at Maple
Springs Group Campground:
- Sites 1, 2, 3 and 4 at Maple Springs are designed to accommodate horses. Do not use any of the other Maple Springs Campground sites if you are camping with horses.
- Park vehicles only at the gravel spaces located at each campsite. If you need additional parking, use the parking area across the road from the bulletin board.
- Leave your campsite clean for the next campers.
- Dispose of horse manure by scattering it in the woods at least 200 feet behind the campsites.
- Picket areas are located behind sites 1, 2, 3 and 4. You must use these facilities to tie up your horses. Never tie horses to trees.
- The central grassy area is for amphitheater and recreational use only. Do not let your horses use the area.
- Do not allow your horses near the water spigots in the campground. You must pack water to your horses for drinking or bathing. Hoses can be attached to water spigots temporarily, but do not leave hoses attached.
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